For a Sony KD‑55X8500F, the backlight inverter is usually integrated into the power board (AP‑P242AM / “POWER GL81” type) rather than a separate CCFL‑style card. If the fault is in the inverter‑section of that board, you can source a replacement power/inverter assembly from several types of sellers; here are the most practical options for a Kenya‑based buyer.
1. International online parts marketplaces
Large electronics‑spare sites list genuine‑looking boards for the KD‑55X8500F:
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AliExpress & Ali‑clones
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Search for “KD‑55X8500F power board AP‑P242AM” or “POWER GL81 board AP‑P242AM”.
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Many listings show the exact Sony part number AP‑P242AM and list compatibility with 55X8500F, 55X8566F, 55X8588G. Prices are usually in the ~$45–$70 USD range, not including Kenyan duty and shipping time.
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Specialist TV‑spare shops (global)
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Sites like ShopJimmy or Need‑A‑Part carry Sony TV parts by model; search “Sony KD‑55X8500F power board” and choose the AP‑P242AM matching photo. These are usually higher‑priced but more vetted.
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If you order internationally, factor in insurance, handling fees, and customs when deciding if a full‑board swap is cheaper than local‑board‑level repair.
2. Local TV‑part suppliers in Nairobi
Kenyan‑based electronics or TV‑repair shops sometimes stock Sony‑branded or compatible TV‑boards, even if not always listed as KD‑55X8500F‑only boards:
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TV‑repair workshops that sell spare boards
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Companies like Prologic Technologies and similar TV‑repair outfits in Nairobi often keep stacks of Sony‑branded power boards, including AP‑P242AM or equivalent, and may sell or swap the part if you bring the TV in.
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General electronic‑spare‑parts shops
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Some Mombasa Road, Luthuli‑Avenue, or Jomo‑Kenyatta‑Area vendors carry or can source Sony‑LCD‑power‑boards; if you know the model (KD‑55X8500F) and part number (AP‑P242AM), they can usually match it.
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Local buying avoids import delays and duties, and you can often have the board fitted and tested on‑site.
3. When to consider a full board vs repair
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If your diagnostics show the inverter‑section on the AP‑P242AM is shorted or burned, swapping the entire power board is often the cleanest option.
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If the board is otherwise healthy apart from one or two components (for example, a blown MOSFET or capacitor), a local TV‑technician replacing just the faulty parts may be cheaper than importing a new board.
For a KD‑55X8500F owner in Nairobi, buying from a reputable TV‑spare site abroad is viable if you are comfortable with longer delivery and customs; otherwise, going to a local TV‑repair workshop that stocks Sony‑specific boards is usually the fastest, lowest‑risk route to get a working replacement inverter/power‑board without exposing the whole panel to multiple shipping risks.